Fort Bend Chapter
Richmond, Texas
CHAPTER HISTORY
The Fort Bend Chapter, founded in Richmond, takes its name from the
Gulf Coast County in which it was organized. Here in 1821, on a bend of the Brazos River, a very small group
of Stephen F. Austin’s “original 300” settlers erected a fort.
The three objectives of the DAR are: promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. A review of chapter records for the past years reveals how diligently the Fort Bend Chapter has participated in the broad scope of DAR activities. The chapter’s name has repeatedly appeared on the national Honor Roll.
Membership has grown from the original 43 to over 100 in 2008. Pledges and contributions have been generous. We send monetary contributions to the seven approved DAR schools, as well as Campbell's soup labels that can be used to purchase other things for the schools.
In the field of education, the Fort Bend Chapter established the Maybelle Robbins Armstrong Scholarship Fund in 1962 honoring Mrs. George W. Armstrong, a charter member of the chapter who was Chapter Regent, 1953-1955, State Historian, 1958-1961, and State DAR Magazine Chairman at the time of her death. This scholarship assists young men or women entering nurse's training at Wharton County Junior College. Each year a deserving student is awarded a check to help with nurse's training expenses.
The American History essay contest, which is conducted through area schools, has had good participation and receives splendid publicity in Fort Bend County newspapers. Several of the local winners have also received state awards. Our chapter supports and honors area high school students through the DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest. It is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship and is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools. One senior student is selected by the staff and student body to be their DAR Good Citizen. This student best demonstrates the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism for that class. Every year a ceremony and reception is held to honor these young Americans and their families. Each student is recognized individually by summarizing their accomplishments and future goals. All winners are presented with a pin and certificate. One student is selected as our chapter winner and is presented with a monetary gift.
Our organizing regent began a tradition with chapters in adjoining counties. Since 1950, Comfort Wood Chapter in Wharton and Asa Underwood Chapter in West Columbia have joined the Fort Bend Chapter in Constitution Week ceremonies. Over the years, Mary Rolph Marsh in Bay City and Fort Velasco in Lake Jackson have joined, and the chapters take turns in the hostess duties for the annual Constitution Day Luncheon.
In 1958, the chapter was given use of a room of its own in the county library. Furniture and a collection of genealogical and historical materials were placed in the room which was open to the public at stated times. A locked glass cabinet was placed in the library proper, with changing exhibits of historical treasures placed there on loan from members.
The year 1959-60 was marked with several significant events in the chapter history. Mrs. Joe Wessendorf, a charter member of the chapter, served as a delegate to the White House conferences on the Governor's Conference on Children and Youth.
Also in that year, the Fort Bend Chapter was given the historic Calvary Episcopal Church, built in 1878, to be used as a non-denominational prayer chapel. This small building was moved to land on the Polly Ryan Hospital grounds which had been deeded by Mrs. Albert P. (Mamie Davis) George for this purpose. The chapel was named in her honor and was given an historical medal. Many graduating classes of nurses held their graduation exercises in the Mamie Davis George Prayer Chapel. In the fall of 1974, a tornado destroyed the chapel. Many members kept a piece of the building as a special memento.
In the early 1970s, when the money crunch reached the chapter, a Cookie Cook Book was printed in 1972 with a reprint in 1979. Wilda Borrell combined the cookie recipes with other recipes in a general cookbook in 1984. When the Museum wanted to expand in 1987, the books were placed in the Genealogy Department of the George Memorial Library, and the furnishings were placed in the McFarlane House. Some meetings were held there and some in homes until the Museum offices were moved into the McFarlane House. The furnishings were sold and the Fort Bend Chapter began meeting in the George Memorial Library.
Interest in the youth of the community prompted the organization of a local society of the Children of the American Revolution on August 8, 1976. The Fort Bend Society C.A.R. organized with 30 children, the largest organization in the state at that time, at the Douglass home in Missouri City with Mr. James Boone as the speaker. The first senior organizing president was Mrs. Georgie Roenigk; others were Joanna Hearn, Ruth Werner, Jane Klawitter, Elizabeth Duff, Carol Hutchens, and Cindy Frierson-Smith. C.A.R. members attended state, regional, and national meetings; hosted workshops; presented programs; participated in county parades, and excelled in all activities.
Fort Bend Chapter raised $1,000 for restoration of the Statue of Liberty during the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. Chapter members also made a Bicentennial Quilt. The mid 1980s found the chapter participating in Christmas on Morton Street in downtown Richmond where cookies from the cookbook and handmade crafts were sold. In the years beyond 2008, the Fort Bend Chapter is still dedicated to our DAR objectives of education, history, and patriotism. The members go forward with steady purpose and enthusiasm as the Fort Bend Chapter proudly faces our next 100 years.
Reference: History of the Texas Society National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1975.